Yellow Bullhead Native

🔬 Ameiurus natalis

Similar to brown bullhead but distinguished by pale yellow-white chin barbels, a yellow belly, and preference for cleaner water. Slightly smaller on average. Good table fish when caught from clean lakes.

0.5-1.0 lb, 7-12 inches

Typical size

3 lbs 14 oz

Michigan record

Summer

Best season

Listed lakes

🛡 Conservation Status

Native Native Michigan species with healthy populations in suitable habitat across the state.

🌿 Habitat & Behavior

Clear to moderately turbid lakes, ponds, and streams in southern and central Michigan. Prefers sand or gravel bottom over mud -- found in cleaner conditions than brown bullhead. Often shares water with bass and panfish.

🎣 Best Techniques

Bottom fishing at dusk and night with nightcrawlers or worms. Light tackle is ideal -- yellow bullhead fight well for their size.

🌊 Where to Catch in Michigan

Lake	County	Population	Notes
Baseline Lake 377 acres	Livingston	Fair	—
Cass Lake 1,280 acres	Oakland	Fair	—
Coldwater Lake 1,561 acres	Branch	Fair	—
Gull Lake 2,030 acres	Kalamazoo	Fair	—
Gun Lake 2,680 acres	Barry	Fair	—
Gun Lake 665 acres	Allegan	Fair	—
Lake Columbia 821 acres	Jackson	Fair	—
Lake Nepessing 952 acres	Lapeer	Fair	—
Magician Lake 755 acres	Cass	Fair	—
Paw Paw Lake 1,000 acres	Van Buren	Fair	—
Pontiac Lake 770 acres	Oakland	Fair	—

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📋 Quick Facts

Common name: Yellow Bullhead
Scientific name: Ameiurus natalis
Typical size: 0.5-1.0 lb, 7-12 inches
Michigan record: 3 lbs 14 oz
Best season: Summer
Status: Native
Listed in: 11 Michigan lakes

🔗 Resources

📖 DNR Sport Fishing Guide 📋 DNR Stocking Database 🐟 All Fish Species 🎣 MDNR Sport Fishing 🔬 MDNR Fish ID Guide 🎣 Log a catch